Models of Teaching

Effective teachers do not rely upon one or two strategies/models of teaching, but instead examine their educational objectives and decide to structure explicit and inclusive learning events. They will attempt to draw upon a rich repertoire of essential models of teaching and learning. Form follows function — the lesson’s objective provides the function and the teaching strategy provides the form.

Declared goals and objectives in a typical curriculum guide refer to a wide range of knowledge, skill, and emotional results. There is not a single instructional strategy or model that will effectively help students succeed in every situation. Below is a list of teaching models with links to descriptions and resources.

Overview of Joyce and Weill's Models of Teaching

Project-Based Learning

Guided Research Using WebQuests

Understanding by Design

Inquiry or Guided Inquiry

Modeling, Simulation and Role-Playing

Socratic Questioning and Interaction

Graphic Organizers

Graphic Organizers-2

Collaborative / Cooperative Learning

Synectics, Analogy, and Metaphor

Service-based Learning

Reciprocal Teaching